What to see

• Instituto Cultural Cabañas: A UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its impressive architecture and art collection. Explore its galleries and exhibitions, including the breathtaking frescoes by the great muralist José Clemente Orozco adorning the chapel's interior.

​​

• Guadalajara Cathedral: Marvel at the beauty of the Guadalajara Cathedral, a majestic symbol of the city's rich history and culture. Admire its stunning facade and step inside to appreciate its ornate interior, featuring beautiful altars and religious artwork.

 

• Plaza de Armas: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza de Armas, the main square of Guadalajara's Centro Histórico. Take a leisurely stroll, relax on a bench, and soak in the sights and sounds of this bustling hub, surrounded by historic buildings and bustling street vendors.

 

• Governor's Palace: The golden-hued Palacio de Gobierno, which houses the Jalisco state government offices, was finished in 1774 and is well worth visiting to see two impressive murals by José Clemente Orozco, a Jalisco native. Even though entrance is free, we recommend you call in advance (+52 33-3668-1825) to schedule a visit and keep in mind it's closed on Mondays. ​​​

 

• Mercado Libertad (San Juan de Dios): Dive into the vibrant local culture at Mercado Libertad, also known as San Juan de Dios Market. Wander through its bustling aisles filled with colorful stalls selling everything from fresh produce and spices to handicrafts and souvenirs.

 

• Plaza Tapatía: Discover Plaza Tapatía, a sprawling public space that encompasses several important landmarks and attractions, including the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres monument and the stunning Palacio de Gobierno with its intricate murals depicting Mexico's history.

 

• Museo Regional de Guadalajara: Step back in time at the Museo Regional de Guadalajara, housed in a beautiful colonial building. Explore its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the history, art, and culture of the region.

 

• Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento: Admire the neo-Gothic architecture of the Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento, a magnificent church known for its intricate facade and stunning stained glass windows.

​

If you're up for exploring a little further outside the city, you could visit one of these places:

​​

• Tequila: The place where it all started, is a 50-minute drive away from the city. There's lots of tours that take you there to visit some of the fields and factories where tequila is born and bottled to ship around the world. You can ask your hotel concierge for recommendations, or here are some suggestions for tours you can consider taking if you'd like an organized tour (tour 1, tour 2, tour 3, tour 4)

​​

• Tlaquepaque: now a part of the wider Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, it is known for its pottery and blown glass, which have a long history in the area. Key highlights there include the Ceramics museum, the Museo Pantaleon Panduro, and El Parian. Here are a couple of tour suggestions if you prefer an organized experience (tour 1, tour 2). 

​​

• Tonala: also part of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, it is the place where many of the pottery workshops are based. If you are interested in handcrafts, it hosts a major street market (also called "tianguis") on Thursdays and Sundays.

​​

• Chapala: sitting by Mexico's largest inland body of water, which gives it its ideal microclimate, it has long been know as the weekend destination for Guadalajara residents and US and Canadian retirees who have moved to the area over the years. If you go, make sure you try the local hibiscus sweets and check out the craft stores in the surrounding town of Ajijic. ​

​​

• Guachimontones: located in the hills above the town of Teuchitlán (about an hour outside Guadalajara) that provides the namesake for the culture that built the site, Guachimontones is part of the Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila UNESCO world heritage site. 
  ​

• Puerto Vallarta: located on the Pacific Coast, about 305 kms from Guadalajara, it is Jalisco's second largest urban hub and its best-known touristic site. This might be the place to go if you're considering extending your stay for a few more days before or after the wedding and want to experience one of Mexico's most famous beaches.